Ryder Cup organisers target Sunday finish despite rain delay

The Ryder Cup is still scheduled to finish on Sunday after organisers changed the format in the wake of Friday’s downpours at Celtic Manor.

Eight matches should have been completed on Friday, but a seven-hour rain delay meant that not even the opening fourballs managed to get finished.

Lee Westwood shelters from the rain (PA)

Following discussions with the two teams, organisers decided to rejig the schedule so the second session will consist of six foursome matches and the third will be made up of two foursomes and four fourballs.

If there are no further interruptions, officials hope the Ryder Cup will conclude with 12 singles matches on Sunday, but they have also made contingency plans for play to run on into Monday.

The changes mean all 24 players will be out on the course at the same time on Saturday, so captains Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin will not be able to rest players who are tired or suffer a dip in form.

Friday’s rain delay left the players with a lot of time to fill, as they waited to get back out on the course.

The European team passed some of it by playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 on the PlayStation. Martin Kaymer revealed that Luke Donald had chosen to play as himself, to the amusement of some of his team-mates.

US team officials had a more important job to do, buying new waterproofs from the merchandising tent after discovering their official clothing did not keep the rain out.